Synopsis

While the boat carrying Boromir flows away on the river, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli discuss what to do: take the last boat, or follow the Orcs. Though Legolas argues that Merry and Pippin may very well be dead by now, Aragorn counters that the fate of the Ring-bearer is no longer in their hands: the Company of the Ring has served its purpose. They chase the Orcs.

The Orcs have some distance on them. Merry and Pippin are forced to run with them, and are whipped along hte way. Pippin falls, and an Orc captain berates him for it. He then asks Grishnakh for a drink, and when Grishnakh does not respond quick enough, knocks him over. He gives drink to the hobbits, who are less than pleased with the taste. The captain explains they will nog get bed, or breakfast, until they reach Isengard.

Aragorn finds the brooch, dropped by Pippin. He deduces that the troop of Orcs is almost a day ahead, and at leadt one of the Hobbits is still alive. He asks his companions whether to stay the night, or continue the hunt. Legolas favours continuing, Gimli favours a rest. When he learns they will not be resting, Gimli cries "I cannot run all the way to Isengard!"